Alliance of Sahel States Moves Forward with Exit from ECOWAS
Foreign ministers from the Sahel Alliance or Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—met on Sunday to discuss the formalities surrounding their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three nations are set to officially withdraw from ECOWAS on Tuesday, January 28, marking a significant geopolitical shift in the region.
A Unified Front: The AES’s Strategy for Negotiations
At the gathering in Ouagadougou, the ministers emphasized their commitment to a “global approach” in negotiations with ECOWAS, underlining their desire to present a united front in future talks. The AES grouping, formed earlier this year, aims to act as a cohesive bloc in international relations, particularly as tensions with ECOWAS have escalated following a series of military coups in the region.
Tensions with ECOWAS and the Aftermath of Military Coups
ECOWAS has condemned the coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2024), suspended the countries’ memberships, and called for a return to civilian governance. However, the military governments in these countries have rejected ECOWAS’s demands, expelling French troops and turning to Russia for support in combating jihadist insurgencies in the region.
The Future of West African Regional Cooperation
As the AES moves forward with its exit, the bloc has made it clear that its negotiations with ECOWAS will be based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The decision signals a bold shift in the power dynamics of West Africa, with the Sahel countries asserting their sovereignty and moving away from the influence of traditional Western allies.
Implications for the Region’s Stability and Governance
The formal departure of these nations from ECOWAS raises critical questions about the future of regional cooperation and security in West Africa. Will ECOWAS adapt to this new reality, or will this division lead to further fragmentation in the region?
